Portable diagnostic instrument and a method for its use

Abstract

A portable diagnostic instrument for use by medical professionals. The portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a control unit that can maintain the frequency of sound or vibration produced by the device constant, even when battery power is reduced. The control unit can also comprise a warning unit to provide information about remaining battery life to the user. Furthermore, the portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a unit capable of producing vibration and a unit capable of producing sound at differing frequencies. The device can produce both the sound and vibration at the same time or each can be operated individually. Moreover, the device is capable of being attached to other medical equipment that is carried by a medical professional or can be easily kept in a pocket, so that it is readily available when needed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable diagnostic instrument comprising:
 an auditory unit capable of producing sounds at two of more frequencies; 
 a vibratory unit capable of producing vibration at two or more frequencies; 
 a control unit to control the auditory unit and the vibratory unit; 
 the vibratory unit capable of producing a continuous vibration at a single frequency for any length of time specified by the control unit; 
 the auditory unit capable of producing a continuous sound at a single frequency for any length of time specified by the control unit; 
 a first cap covering the vibratory unit wherein the vibration produced by the vibratory unit is concentrated to a single point at a tip of the first cap; and 
 a warning unit to monitor the instrument's power status. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 1  wherein the auditory unit comprises a speaker. 
     
     
       3. The portable diagnostic device as described in  claim 2  wherein the speaker is recessed in relation to the edge of the case. 
     
     
       4. The portable diagnostic device as described in  claim 3  wherein the speaker is protected by a bar across the front of the speaker. 
     
     
       5. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 1  wherein the case also comprises a hole for use in attaching the device to other objects. 
     
     
       6. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 1  wherein the vibratory unit comprises a piece for testing the Babinski reflex of a patient. 
     
     
       7. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 1  wherein the control unit comprises lights to indicate the frequency of the output emitted from the device. 
     
     
       8. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 1  wherein the instrument comprises a slot for the attachment of accessories. 
     
     
       9. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 1  wherein the instrument is powered by a rechargeable battery. 
     
     
       10. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 9  wherein the warning unit comprises a light emitting diode which can be one color when the rechargeable battery is fully charge, another when a charge is needed soon and flashes when the device should not be used and needs to be recharged. 
     
     
       11. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 9  wherein the warning unit comprises a light emitting diode which can be one color when fully charge, another when charging and a third when the device is unable to be charged. 
     
     
       12. The portable diagnostic instrument as described in  claim 1  wherein the control unit can maintain proper frequencies even when the power being supplied to the instrument is diminished. 
     
     
       13. A method for using a portable diagnostic instrument, the method comprising:
 providing a unit combining a vibratory unit, a first end cap covering the vibratory unit and an auditory unit; 
 the first end cap having a point wherein the vibration produced by the vibratory unit is concentrated; 
 turning on the vibratory unit to produce a continuous vibration at a single frequency; 
 adjusting the frequency of the vibratory unit; 
 placing the point of the first end cap of the vibratory unit into contact with a patient and observing the reaction produced by the contact; 
 turning off the vibratory unit; 
 turning on the auditory unit to produce sound; 
 varying the frequency of the sound produced by the device; and 
 observing which frequencies are perceptible by the patient.